union beach.

Last night, Frank and I went to Union Beach to check out this bar/restaurant called "Jakeabob's." We weren't sure what to expect, but ending up having a great time! The weather was perfect--sunny and warm, but still breezy because we were over the water. Frank ordered fish and I got a burger, since I'm not really a seafood type of gal. We also ordered a delicious pitcher of white sangria because it was the Wednesday night special, and really why not?

dress: target | heels: target | earrings: vintage, from my mom
purse: vintage etienne aigner (in the shop soon) | ring: urban outfitters

The weather got a little cool after the sun set, but we stayed and talked for a while regardless. We loved how much this restaurant made us feel like we were on vacation! It reminded me so much of a restaurant in Naples, Florida that I visited a few years ago--except the restaurant in Florida didn't have such a gorgeous view of New York City, did it? Ha! We also had a fun chat with our waitress about my camera and photography. She saw the Nikon sitting on the table and started asking me a bunch of questions about it. It was so fun to engage in a conversation about something I love so much with a complete stranger! #nerdalert

shop preview • bags bags bags!

These bags (and more) are coming to the shop within the next week! If you have any questions or if you'd like to reserve an item, email me at awildtonic@gmail.com for more info.

a spring wedding in a shabby apple dress c/o pretty little world!

A few months ago, I won the Red Fox Dress from Shabby Apple from a giveaway at the Pretty Little World blog. I screamed when I found out that I won. The dress is gorgeous! After I got it in the mail and tried it on, I knew it would be perfect for a good friend's May wedding--though it killed me to not wear it until then! Haha! I didn't get any proper outfit shots, but tons of photos were taken, and here are a few. Thanks again to Shabby Apple and Pretty Little World for the dress! :)

dress: shabby apple | platforms: 9 west, thrifted | earrings: vintage, from my mom

baby cowgirls.

This is me and my little sister (who you heard from yesterday in her tonic tuesday guest post) when we were wee lasses. The outfits were courtesy of our grandfather who lived in Arizona at the time. How hilarious are we? I wish I still had those boots, though...and the blouse. Heck, I wish I still had this whole outfit.

shop preview • some shoes!

These shoes (and so much more) are coming to the shop within the next week! If you have any questions or if you'd like to reserve an item, email me at awildtonic@gmail.com for more info.

"welcome summer" giveaway winner!

Thank you to all who entered the "welcome summer" giveaway, and a special congratulations to:

Tirabaralla!

Check back soon for another giveaway in July! :)

tonic tuesday 6/28: fourth of july guest post!

Hello blogging world! I'm Erica, the model for A Wild Tonic, asSISTER (her assistant and sister) to Lauren, and today a guest blogger. In the past, Fourth of July consisted of my sister and I running in our front yard playing with sparklers. But in the past few years before she leaves for Maine, we throw a mini celebration that includes watching the practice fireworks in the neighborhood, having our parents barbecue for us, and drinking some beers. Whether you are going to be with friends, family, or at a park watching fireworks what is better than some stars and stripes in your outfit? Here are some lovely Etsy items that will be great for this holiday weekend.


STAR SPANGLED American Flag Pattern Short-Sleeve Button-Down Cardigan - Size Medium/Large from awildtonic




size Large. vintage AMERICAN flag zip up WINDBREAKER jacket from elizabethsantry




vintage American Flag grunge 90s KEDS, Made in USA, Women's 10 fourth of july Patriotic Hipster from foxandfawns




RED WHITE & BLUE American Flag Woven Tribal Boho Hippie Purse - Wool - Made in Otavalo Ecuador - Vintage from awildtonic




Stars and Stripes Star Shaped Pierced Earrings from tracisallymaxx




American Flag Baseball Cap Stars and Stripes from TheDivineShrink




Vintage Brooch Red White Blue Flower Support Our Troops Bless America Fourth of July Vintage Brooch from kiamichi7




Vintage STARS And STRIPES Suspenders from jlinsnider




Vintage Corn Serving Set, Original Box, 1955, Deluxe 18 Piece Set from DishDashKitchenCo




BBQ Vintage Apron Full Size Lobsters Bacon Sausages Grill Steaks from in2vintagecloths



Here's some inspiration if you're not in the spirit yet!

before and after shop photos!

A few weeks ago, I took a long hard look at my Etsy shop photos. For the most part, I was happy with them, but there were a few items (which were originally shot a long while back) that I absolutely had to fix. I'm not saying that my new shop photos are amazingly spectacular or anything, but I think there's been a vast improvement.

in the shop.

I re-shot everything up against the same off-white background as my newer item photos. I also aimed for clear and natural lighting, as opposed to the direct and yellow-ish sunlight in the older photos. I also cropped the images a little bit better. Instead of super-tight, cut off images, I now have full shots as the main photos with close-ups after that. What do you think? Do you like the newer images or the older ones? What are some of your photography tips for less-experienced photographers? Check back in a few days for more before-and-after shots and some more tips on photography!

in the shop.

in the shop.

this and that: minty.

this and that.

an fp appearance!

I love this treasury. Many thanks to Raceytay for bringing my vintage straw hat to the front page of Etsy! :)

christmas in july sale + giveaway reminder!

❆ Christmas in July Sale! Enjoy 30% off all vintage items (prices are already marked down)
+ free U.S. shipping on orders of two or more items (use code "CIJFREESHIP")! ❆

Also, don't forget that the $25 AWT gift certificate giveaway ends tonight! All you have to do to enter is follow this blog and heart AWT on Etsy! What are you waiting for? ;)

music monday: Martha & The Vandellas - "Dancing In The Street"

Summer's here and the time is right for dancin' in the street.



Happy Monday!

sponsor a wild tonic in july!

Hey folks! Hope you had a lovely weekend! I wanted to let you know that I'm currently accepting blog sponsors for July.. Check out my sponsorship page for more info. :)

jack says, "happy weekend!"

TGIF, am I right? I hope you all have a lovely weekend. Jack does too. What are your plans for the weekend? Tell me tell me! :)

in the mail: volume 3.

Remember my post about hey!caddywhompus? Well, Julie was kind enough to send me a hoop, and I just love it. It's so vibrant and a lot bigger than I expected (obviously, I didn't pay attention to the measurements in the Etsy listings--I was too distracted by the awesomeness)! I hung it up with my Haunted Mansion embroidery (yes, I'm that big of a Disney nerd) and my new Jackalope embroidery (more on that below) for now, but they might get moved around soon. We'll see..

   

Okay, how cool is this jackalope embroidery? I stumbled upon Flex Family Arts a while back and loved everything I saw. I entered this giveaway over at No Mark At All, and amazingly--I won! I was so stoked. Look at how serious that jackalope is! He means business. Haha! Also, I had to note the awesome Gregory Peck stamps, too. Swoon!